NIOSH Ladder Safety Smart Phone App is a Finalist for Innovation Award

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ladder safety smart phone app is a finalist in the national HHS Innovates awards contest. The app addresses the major causes of ladder falls by placing a number of interactive and easy-to-use, graphic-oriented safety tools, checklists and guides into the hands of ladder users wherever and whenever they are needed. The HHS Innovates program recognizes and celebrates internal innovations by employees and promotes them across the department, as well as to the public. The public voting period to help select “The People's Choice” will take place May 29-June 6. Vote at http://www.hhs.gov/idealab/innovate/ladder-safety-niosh-has-an-app-for-that/. … Read more

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KBE Building Corp. Renovates Third Restaurant Depot in Rhode Island

CRANSTON, R.I. — KBE Building Corporation has started renovations for its third Restaurant Depot project — this one in Cranston, Rhode Island. KBE will serve as general contractor for the project, which comprises the renovation of an existing 50,000-square-foot building, plus the addition of a 10,000-square-foot enclosed area and a 16,000-square-foot covered parking area. Work will include paving, site grading and storm drainage modifications.     “It's always a pleasure to renovate Restaurant Depot stores,” said KBE President and CEO Mike Kolakowski, who bought the firm with Eric Brown and Simon Etzel in 2007. “KBE has also built restaurants and … Read more

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Level 10 Construction Announces Completion of Benchmarks at 181 Freemont Street

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Level 10 Construction, the general contractor for 181 Fremont Street, announced that extensive caisson drilling at the site will be completed by July 1 and that excavation of the basement will begin later in July. Level 10 will bring a unique 700B Luffing Tower Crane on site in the fall to help finish the basement construction after shoring is complete. Construction will begin to go vertical at the site during the October to November timeframe. The 800-foot, 55-story high rise will be the second tallest building in San Francisco, California. It is owned and developed by Jay … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases, Exceeds Previous Highs

Construction employment expanded in 220 metro areas, declined in 70 and was stagnant in 49 between April 2013 and April 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that federal spending cutbacks on government facilities and Hurricane Sandy reconstruction were contributing to job losses around Washington, D.C. and New Jersey. “Construction employment appears to be rebounding in many parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Declines in federal spending likely depressed construction employment near Washington, while the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy may be … Read more

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OSHA Launches Annual Summer Campaign to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced the launch of its annual Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers. For the fourth consecutive year, OSHA’s campaign aims to raise awareness and educate workers and employers about the dangers of working in hot weather and provide resources and guidance to address these hazards. Workers at particular risk are those in outdoor industries, such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and transportation. “Heat-related illnesses can be fatal, and employers are responsible for keeping workers safe,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Employers can … Read more

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